The younger son is bored with his daily duties on the farm and tells his father he wants to travel and see the world. He asks for his inheritance so that he may travel to a distant country. The reference to a distant country struck me as odd. He had a good home life and a loving father who gave him free will and yet he chose to go a long way from home.

I see myself in the role of the younger son. How many times have I chosen to go away from God’s will and tried to seek acceptance in the world where I will always have to affirm and reaffirm my self-worth with others. I, by my own free will, refuse God’s willingness to receive me as his own and ignore his truth that has been revealed to me.

The lost son realizes he left the place he felt most loved and accepted and started his

I, also, have been untrusting of my heavenly father’s love. Even after my spirit has been broken and I am on my way back home, I still expect God’s grace to fall below what he promises. I do not want to take advantage of what God has promised me, but I also do not want to set expectations and limits on his forgiveness.

God wants us to rejoice when someone comes back to him, not because he wants us to feel bad, but because someone who was lost is now found. They have realized their need for him and want to come home. All of heaven rejoices when someone who has turned away, now turns towards God. We are all here for God’s Great Commission and when we all take steps to further his Commission, Heaven rejoices.

I can also see myself in the character of the elder brother. My pride and selfishness distort my view of all God wants to show and teach me. Much as the elder brother felt about his brother’s homecoming party, I sometimes feel about recognition for a job well done. People must take note and notice all that I have accomplished and if not, I get angry and resentful.

The elder s

Some topics in this essay:
, Commission Heaven, God’s Commission, heaven rejoices, distant country, lost son,